Cabin Air Filter Installation

Breathe Easy – How to Install a Cabin Air Filter

Has the inside of your vehicle started to smell musty? You aren’t sure where the smell is coming from but something has to be done – no one wants to ride with you! The solution to the problem may be as easy as changing your vehicle’s cabin air filter.

Cabin air filter? What is that you ask? Most people are aware that their engine has an air filter that prevents dirt and debris from getting into the engine. Did you know that your car’s HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) system has a cabin air filter? Your vehicle’s engine air filter ensures that clean air reaches your engine.

Clean air is paramount to your vehicle running efficiently. A cabin air filter performs the same function for vehicle’s HVAC system. It keeps dirt, dust, pollen and bacteria from getting into the ventilation system of your car. A cabin air filter also prevents leaves, bugs and other debris from entering the HVAC system. It keeps the air inside your vehicle fresh which means that you and your passengers can breathe easy.

You should change your cabin air filter annually or every 12,000 miles or 20,000 km. If you drive in heavily polluted areas or travel on dirt roads, consider changing the cabin air filter every 5,000 miles or 10,000 km. If you suffer from allergies, you may consider changing the cabin air filter more often to ensure the quality of the air.

Replacing your cabin air filter with a high quality Champion® cabin air filter is the best choice for your vehicle. It removes 98% of airborne contaminants such as pollen, dust and road dirt. Designed for optimal fit and performance, the optimized pleat construction of a Champion® filter features carbon-enhanced media for maximum odor control.

Changing your vehicle’s cabin air filter is an easy job that most anyone can tackle. Champion® makes the job super easy for you by giving you extended support:

OPTION 1

You can read on below to learn how to replace the cabin air filter, step by step.

OPTION 2

You can check the dedicated www.championfilter.com website to find which product is the best match for you car and watch one of our installation videos.

OPTION 3

You can revert to the www.championfilter.com website to check the QR code on the packaging and be redirected to the appropriate installation video.

Step-by-Step Instructions

STEP 1

Find your car’s cabin air filter. The location of the cabin air filter can vary from vehicle to vehicle, and its exact location is indicated on the packaging of your Champion®filter. In some cars it is located under the hood while in others it is found behind the glovebox or under the dashboard. Your vehicle’s owner manual will also tell you where it is located. You can ask a mechanic or other trusted professional to show you where it is found if unclear.

STEP 2

Once you have located the cabin air filter housing, take out the old cabin air filter, remove the clips, screws or wing nuts that hold the housing in place. Take off the cover and then remove the filter. Look at the filter to see if needs replacing or if it will be good for a few more road trips. If it is dirty and grimy, the time has come to replace it.

STEP 3

Clean the housing compartment. Before you install the new cabin air filter, it is worth the time to clean up the housing compartment and air intake duct. Use a vacuum to clean out any dirt and debris. Take a rag and wipe the inside of the air filter chamber to get rid of any dirt.

STEP 4

Put the new cabin air filter in. Simply put the cabin air filter in the same spot where the old filter was (NOTE: be sure you install the filter with the correct air flow direction).

STEP 5

Place the housing cover back on, putting any screws or clips you took off back on. If you had to remove the glovebox or dashboard to get to the cabin air filter, put it back in place by reversing the steps you used to take it off. That’s all there is to it! You and your passengers will be breathing fresh air and you’ll feel good knowing that you saved money not having a dealership or mechanic change it for you.

CAUTION

Make sure your car's engine is cool before you start.

Ensure that you have the right Champion®cabin air filter for your car. Read your owner's manual or use the reference catalog at the auto parts store to get the correct part number.

If the housing has tabs, don’t squeeze them too hard, they can break easily.

INSTALLATION TIME

15 Minutes

TOOLS NEEDED

Screwdriver or other tool depending on how the filter housing is fastened. Find the location of the cabin air filter housing and see how it is fastened so you grab the proper tools.

Rag

Vacuum

Related Installation Guides

Please sign me up for the newsletter. This newsletter is tracked. For more information, please check our Privacy Policy. You may opt-out of this process at any time by clicking the link at the bottom of each newsletter.

WARNING

Please review and accept our Privacy Policy before signing up for the newsletter.